In the world of home improvement, few companies have achieved the kind of rapid growth and industry respect that DaBella has under the leadership of Donnie McMillan Jr. Founded in 2011, DaBella began as a modest operation with just 12 employees and has since expanded into 20 states.
At the heart of this success is McMillan’s deliberate and innovative growth strategy — a combination of operational efficiency, a people-first culture, and a long-term vision that sets DaBella apart in an increasingly crowded market.
Building a Foundation for Success
DaBella’s story begins with McMillan’s unexpected entry into the home improvement industry. Initially a computer salesperson, McMillan transitioned into selling windows after a series of career pivots. When his previous employer closed its doors, he was encouraged by friends and colleagues to start his own company. McMillan named DaBella after his twins, David and Isabella, to emphasize the company’s family-centric ethos.
From the outset, McMillan prioritized building a company that was not only profitable, but also grounded in a clear set of values. DaBella’s employee mantra of — “Lead. Care. Grow.” — reflects this commitment. Every decision, from hiring practices to market expansion, is rooted in these principles.
The Power of Investing in People
One of McMillan’s most effective growth strategies has been his focus on employee development. Unlike many companies, DaBella asserts its intention of growing leaders from within the company. The company invests heavily in training and mentorship, allowing entry-level employees to climb the ladder into management and executive roles.
DaBella’s leadership programs are rigorous. Every new manager undergoes a yearlong training module designed to prepare them for the complexities of running a branch. Weekly self-improvement and leadership courses are available for all employees, with about 10% of working hours dedicated to personal and professional growth. McMillan’s philosophy is straightforward: The better the employees, the better the company.
This focus on internal promotion has created a strong, cohesive team of 2,000 employees that share DaBella’s values. McMillan frequently emphasizes the importance of servant leadership, insisting that true leaders inspire and uplift their teams rather than issuing directives from above. “Leadership is about serving others and helping them reach their full potential,” McMillan explains.
Operational Excellence and Scalability
A significant component of DaBella’s growth strategy lies in its operational model. McMillan describes DaBella as a “continuous startup,” meaning that the company is always evolving its processes to remain competitive and adaptable. Early in DaBella’s history, McMillan recognized the importance of systems and guardrails to ensure consistency and efficiency across multiple locations. These processes now serve as a blueprint for each new branch, enabling the company to scale without losing its identity or compromising quality.
Caring for communities is important and by tailoring operations and marketing to the specific needs of each region, DaBella maintains a local touch even as it grows nationally.
Innovation in Products and Services
DaBella’s growth hasn’t been limited to its geographic footprint. Under McMillan’s leadership, the company has expanded its product offerings to include energy-efficient windows, roofing systems, siding, and solar technology. Notably, DaBella is one of the few companies in the industry with exclusive access to premium products from manufacturers like GAF, a testament to the trust it has built with its partners.
These product innovations align with McMillan’s commitment to meeting evolving consumer demands. For example, DaBella has made significant investments in sustainable and energy-efficient solutions, including solar-integrated roofing and insulated siding. While these products cater to environmentally conscious homeowners, they also address practical concerns like reducing energy costs — a key consideration for many customers.
DaBella’s Community Engagement
McMillan’s growth strategy also extends beyond the balance sheet. Giving back to the community has been a central focus for DaBella, and McMillan believes this approach has strengthened the company’s reputation while fostering employee pride and loyalty. The company’s initiative DaBella Cares raised over $280,000 for cancer charities in October 2024, while the company regularly provides free home improvement projects for veterans at various branch locations such as Portland, Oregon, via its Operation Hero in partnership with the GAF Community Contractor Program.
DaBella’s community involvement isn’t just about philanthropy; it’s a deliberate effort to integrate the company into the fabric of the neighborhoods it serves. McMillan’s goal is to eventually offer free home improvement projects in every market DaBella enters; it’s a logistical challenge, but one he views as essential to the company’s mission.
Staying Independent in a Consolidating Industry
In a market increasingly dominated by private equity and large conglomerates, DaBella’s commitment to independence is a rarity. McMillan has resisted the lure of external funding.
This approach has allowed DaBella to remain debt-free, giving it the flexibility to make decisions that prioritize employees and customers over shareholders. “We are a people-first, not a profit-first, organization,” McMillan said.
The Human Element of Growth
Ultimately, what sets McMillan apart as a leader is his understanding that growth is about more than numbers — it’s about people. From empowering employees to uplifting communities, McMillan’s approach reflects a deep respect for the human side of business. This ethos has created a culture where employees feel valued, customers feel cared for, and communities feel supported.
As DaBella continues to expand, McMillan’s growth strategy serves as a blueprint for sustainable success. By combining operational excellence, product innovation, and community engagement with a relentless focus on people, Donnie McMillan Jr. has built a company that is not only thriving, but also making a meaningful impact along the way.
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Inside Donnie McMillan Jr.’s Growth Strategy for DaBella
